In 2014, the once-neglected train stations of these towns received an injection of modernity when SOFSE initiated a $1.2 billion renovation program to modernize its commuter rail lines. Before the revival, many of the inhabitants of these rural towns still opted for horseback or automobiles as their primary means of transportation.

Florencio Ranzazo, Minister of Interior and Transport, inspecting the new track.

SOFSE chose MTU to deliver high performance power to 20 Dalian locomotives to ensure efficient travel for passengers on all lines that branch out from Buenos Aires’ urban core. The effort aimed to reshape the entire urban area by alleviating demand on the overcrowded housing market in central Buenos Aires.

“Since operation began in August 2014, the engines have performed without issue and with minimal to no downtime. Scores of Argentines rely on our commuter trains every day, and we’ve enjoyed offering our citizens reliable travel thanks to our MTU engines,” said a SOFSE representative.

MTU Detroit Diesel Argentina, an MTU America distributor, commissioned 20 diesel MTU 16V Series 4000 engines for the long-distance trains, which provide 2,200 kW power at 1,800 rpm. The in-country engine commissioning and dynamic testing was completed in March 2014 and operation started in August 2014. Today, each engine has between 2,000 and 7,000 hours of operation.

“MTU rail drives offer low emissions, reduced weight, lower fuel consumption and improved overall economic value. On top of setting the standard in high-performance rail engines, our engines are backed by 20,000 rail drive solutions with billions of kilometers in the field and 90 years of experience,” said Boris Adames, regional product support manager, MTU America.